SA Firefighter

Equipment => All Equipment discussion => Topic started by: CFS_Firey on September 03, 2006, 03:00:30 PM

Title: Auto flow branches
Post by: CFS_Firey on September 03, 2006, 03:00:30 PM
What are peoples opinions on branches that have automatic flow control compared with ones that have manual flow control?
I personally like the ability to choose my flow rate, and conserve water if needed, or ramp the flowrate up for mopping up...  I can also see benefit in having the right flowrate for the the supplied pressure though....

Has anyone had experience with both types?
Title: Re: Auto flow branches
Post by: Firefrog on September 03, 2006, 04:44:37 PM
This is like asking who do you prefer Liberal or Labour :-D :-D You will find passionate people in both camps.

My personal view is automatics are fine when running them at the optimum pressure normally 700kpa or higher.

For most work I find a manual branch to be versatile and adaptable. I find automatics problematic and awkward at low pump pressure.
My prefered manual is an Akron!
Title: Re: Auto flow branches
Post by: Toast on September 03, 2006, 07:16:55 PM
Yep, manual Akrons all the way.
Title: Re: Auto flow branches
Post by: PF_ on September 03, 2006, 11:14:03 PM
whats an automatic flow branch, only heard and seen the akron types
Title: Re: Auto flow branches
Post by: Mike on September 04, 2006, 08:13:34 AM
Definately Akrons (manual)....
Title: Re: Auto flow branches
Post by: Firefrog on September 04, 2006, 09:38:38 AM
Quote from: P F on September 03, 2006, 11:14:03 PM
whats an automatic flow branch, only heard and seen the akron types

An Auto has a spring system that is meant to automatically adjust the volume of water flowing from the branch based on pump pressure. A common brand name is TFT or Task Force Tip.

A manual branch allows the operator to select the required flow rate (volume of water) and still acheive the desired branch performance in terms of pattern and effectiveness.
Title: Re: Auto flow branches
Post by: rescue5271 on September 04, 2006, 05:31:28 PM
akron or protek is the way to go,auto flow use too much water.....
Title: Re: Auto flow branches
Post by: TillerMan on September 14, 2006, 03:42:51 PM
Automatic's are generally only good on pumpers with high pressure pumps. manual types are better on grass fire trucks where you need to conserve water.
Title: Re: Auto flow branches
Post by: rescue5271 on September 14, 2006, 08:37:22 PM
You can now by branches with built in torch,they look good...
Title: Re: Auto flow branches
Post by: Toast on September 14, 2006, 10:34:26 PM
Quote from: rescue5271 on September 14, 2006, 08:37:22 PM
You can now by branches with built in torch,they look good...
You can buy hose covers with fluro lights in them...
Title: Re: Auto flow branches
Post by: medevac on September 14, 2006, 11:00:17 PM
you can buy condoms that glow in the dark too
Title: Re: Auto flow branches
Post by: Toast on September 14, 2006, 11:22:34 PM
New guide line procedures ahoy!
Title: Re: Auto flow branches
Post by: oz fire on September 15, 2006, 01:48:39 PM
Quote from: TillerMan on September 14, 2006, 03:42:51 PM
Automatics are generally only good on pumpers with high pressure pumps. manual types are better on grass fire trucks where you need to conserve water.

Manual flow are excellent on pumpers - especially if you are contemplating gas cooling for a structural fire or dragging a HP line with lay flat for grassies.

Manual gives you the options, autos give you laziness!

Was a huge TFT fan until we took on Akron's and Protecs - now converted to manual flow branches and reaping the rewards  :-D
Title: Re: Auto flow branches
Post by: SA Firey on September 15, 2006, 06:45:43 PM
Quote from: medevac on September 14, 2006, 11:00:17 PM
you can buy condoms that glow in the dark too

 :-D :-D :-D :-D

LMAO :-D